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The Gokayama Village is a distinctive and renowned ancient village in Japan, recognized as a cultural heritage site reflecting the history and traditions of the Japanese people. If you're planning to visit Gokayama, this article is just for you. Join Mytour to discover the incredible highlights of this famous travel destination.
Learn about the ancient Gokayama village
Introduction to the village
Shirakawa-go village is located in the northern part of the Chubu region, in the northwest of the Honshu island. The ancient Gokayama village is situated in Toyama Prefecture in central Japan. This historic village has existed for over 400 years and is surrounded by towering mountains reaching up to 1,500 meters. During winter, the village is often blanketed by thick snow, accumulating 2 to 3 meters.
The Gokayama village consists of 40 small settlements along the Hida River. Stretching over 115 km from the Hida Plateau to the Sea of Japan, two of the most prominent villages are Ainokura and Suganuma. These villages, along with the Ogimachi village of Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture, were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1995.
The Gokayama village spans 18,879 hectares, measuring 21.7 km from east to west and 22 km from north to south. The unique geographical and natural features of the area have fostered a distinct cultural heritage for the village, setting it apart from the surrounding plains.
In addition to its unique traditional architecture, Gokayama is renowned for its rich folk music heritage. Among the famous songs are Kokiriko and Mugiyabushi, both of which are recognized as intangible cultural heritage of Japan.
The Origin of the Name “Gokayama”
The name Gokayama was first mentioned in 1513 in the records of Jitsugyo, the head priest of Honganji Temple. Gokayama referred to the collection of villages scattered across five valleys in the region, namely Akadani, Kaminashi Dani, Shimona Shidani, Otani, and Togadani. During the Kaga period, there were more than 70 large and small villages in the ancient Gokayama area.
The Story of the Ancient Gokayama Village
The legend passed down about the village’s history tells that after the Heike clan was defeated in battle by the Minamoto clan during the Heian period, the survivors fled to the upper reaches of the Shogawa River to establish the ancient villages.
The village in winter resembles a fairytale castle
Although there is no definitive evidence to support this story, the ancient Gokayama village is also known as Ochudo no Kakurezato – meaning the hidden village of fugitive soldiers. The history of Gokayama’s establishment is truly remarkable, having been preserved for centuries, maintaining its original appearance as it did when it was first built.
Culinary Delights of the Ancient Gokayama Village
When visiting Gokayama, you must try the famous "Gokayama tofu". This tofu is so firm that it doesn’t break even when tied with a rope. Its hardness is compared to that of a pillow or a human nail. It’s a unique and special culinary experience in Gokayama that you can't miss.
The Difference Between Day and Night at the Ancient Gokayama Village
During the Day
During the day, the ancient Gokayama village shines brightly under the sun, with its iconic gasshō-zukuri wooden houses. The village comes alive as daily activities, such as farming and traditional craftsmanship, take center stage. People engage in agriculture, cultivation, weaving, and the production of industrial goods.
If you take a stroll during the day, you will witness a beautiful natural landscape surrounding the village, including lush green mountain ranges, ancient homes, and serene streams. These elements create a peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to feel closely connected with nature.
At night, Gokayama transforms into a romantic and mystical scene under the shimmering lights. The wooden houses are illuminated by LED lights and traditional lanterns, creating a stunning and enchanting atmosphere.
At Night
In contrast to the bustling daytime, the ancient Gokayama village becomes quite peaceful at night. During this time, most villagers stay indoors, relaxing and resting. However, on special festive occasions, the village comes to life with local celebrations, cultural activities, and artistic performances, making it livelier than ever.
The Beauty of the Ancient Gokayama Village at Night
The difference between day and night at Gokayama offers a unique and multi-dimensional travel experience for visitors exploring the ancient village. If you spend a full day here, you're sure to have incredibly wonderful experiences.
The Architecture of the Village Homes
Design Style
Upon arriving at the ancient Gokayama village, visitors are immediately immersed in its pure and ancient atmosphere, untouched by modern architecture. Like the ancient village of Shirakawago, Gokayama retains its traditional Gassho-zukuri architectural style, with its characteristic steep-roofed houses. This image evokes the sense of two hands clasped together, sheltering the residents from the cold winters and harsh snowstorms.
The houses in the ancient Gokayama village have stood for a long time, ranging from 100 to 200 years old, with some even reaching 400 years of age. These homes are quite large, typically three or four stories high, designed to accommodate a large family. In the past, sericulture, along with the production of matchwood and paper, was a thriving industry here.
The ground floor was usually used for living and working, as well as for paper production. Part of the ground level was dedicated to making matchwood – an essential material in the production of gunpowder. The upper floors, up to the top level, were used for silkworm farming.
These rooms were designed with spaciousness and natural light to accommodate sericulture and the storage of mulberry leaves. This allowed the villagers to maintain sericulture even during the harsh winter months. This is a key factor that contributes to the unique Gassho-zukuri architectural style found in Gokayama's ancient village.
Characteristics of the Village Homes
Most of the houses in the ancient Gokayama village are equipped with stoves. This feature plays an essential role in prolonging the life of the house. The smoke from the stove on the ground floor rises through ceiling vents and exits outside, helping to eliminate insects and enhancing the durability of the wooden beams and thatched roofs.
The roofs are designed with a steep pitch of about 60 degrees, combined with the horizontal part of the roof to form an equilateral triangle, allowing snow to slide off easily. The thick, bent beams, called chonna-bari, are responsible for supporting the heavy roof. These chonna-bari are typically made from naturally bent oak trees that grow in the rugged, highland terrain.
To ensure a secure connection for the wooden beams of the house, the villagers avoid using nails or screws, instead using materials like hazel wood and rope woven from straw to bind the beams together. The roof is usually covered with kariyasu – a plant resembling reed grass that is common in Japan.
This plant is typically grown in fields on steep slopes. Villagers harvest it every October, dry it, and store it. Roof repairs typically take place from spring to fall and require considerable effort. Usually, the roof is replaced every 15 to 20 years.
Customs and Traditions in the Ancient Gokayama Village
In the ancient Gokayama village, traditional customs and practices are not only a part of daily life but also the solid foundation that preserves the nation's culture. These activities help maintain traditional culture while also showcasing a strong sense of unity and community spirit.
Each year, the Gokayama community hosts several traditional festivals. Among them, the winter and summer festivals are the two most important events. The winter festival is typically held at the end of the year to pray for a bountiful harvest and a prosperous new year. During this festival, the entire village is beautifully decorated with lanterns and symbols of the powerful rice guardian deity. The villagers participate in activities like fire dancing, processions, and ceremonies honoring the gods and ancestors.
The summer festival is also a significant occasion for the community to gather and interact. During this festival, the villagers organize folk games, cultural exchanges, and enjoy traditional foods. It is a time for different generations to meet, share experiences, and create memories that strengthen the bonds within the community.
In addition, the sense of unity and mutual support within the community is highly valued. During difficult times, such as natural disasters or when help is needed in agriculture, everyone is always ready to lend a hand. This not only reflects strong filial piety and unity but also strengthens the community bond and creates a spiritual strength for the village.
Traditional Customs and Folk Arts in the Ancient Village
The ancient Gokayama village boasts a rich and profound cultural tradition, expressed through unique folk arts that are widely practiced within the community. These activities not only serve as a means for the villagers to preserve and pass down their traditional culture to future generations but also demonstrate their creativity and passion.
One of the most popular folk arts in Gokayama is the craft of making Daruma dolls. The Daruma doll symbolizes good luck and success in Japanese culture. The people of Gokayama often handcraft these dolls from wood or other natural materials, then paint them red and draw black eyes on them. The process of making Daruma dolls is not just an art form; it is also a way for the villagers to express patience and perseverance in life.
Additionally, weaving ropes is another folk art passed down from one generation to the next in Gokayama. The villagers often weave rope patterns from natural materials such as bamboo or wool to create items like bags, baskets, and even wall hangings.
The woven rope products are not only useful items but also symbolize the creativity and hardworking spirit of the people in Gokayama. Gokayama is truly a fantastic destination to explore and enjoy the beauty of traditional Japanese culture.
The Labor Life of the People in Gokayama Village
Agriculture plays a vital role in the lives of the people in Gokayama Village. With its rich mountainous terrain, the villagers primarily grow rice, seedlings, and harvest a variety of crops such as wheat, sweet potatoes, carrots, and various leafy vegetables. Gokayama is also renowned for its organically grown produce, cultivated in a natural and sustainable manner. Families typically farm on terraced fields or mountain slopes, utilizing every available strip of land to grow crops and optimize agricultural yield.
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people in the village
Handweaving
Handweaving is an essential part of daily life in Gokayama Village. The women of the village often spin silk from silkworms and then weave the thread into fabrics or yarn. The handwoven products are diverse, including woolen garments, tablecloths, curtains, and various other household items. Handweaving is not just a simple craft but also a significant part of the culture and tradition passed down through generations.
Wood is a key material in the construction and decoration of traditional houses in Gokayama. As a result, woodworking has developed significantly. The villagers typically use traditional tools and classic techniques to craft wooden products such as tables, chairs, bookshelves, storage boxes, and various other household items. There are many skilled craftsmen here who are experts in selecting and processing wood. They are also trained in carving techniques to create high-quality and unique products.
Must-See Destinations in Gokayama Village
Suganuma Village with Gassho Architecture
Within the Gokayama Old Village, there is Suganuma. This village was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Suganuma proudly houses nine Gassho-zukuri style houses that have been preserved to this day. Among them, two were built at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868), six were constructed during the Meiji period (1868-1912), and the last one was built during the Taisho period (1912-1926).
In addition to the Gassho-style houses, Suganuma also offers other fascinating attractions such as the Gokayama Folk Museum, which recreates the traditional life of Gokayama's people in the mountainous region, and the Ensho-no-Yakata Museum, where visitors can learn about the local matchstick industry.
Ainokura Village – A World Heritage Site
As one of the two most prominent villages in the Gokayama Old Village cluster, Ainokura retains its ancient charm in both its landscape and daily life. Ainokura is like a picture of untouched, alluring beauty. Exploring Ainokura feels like stepping into a time capsule of old Japan, where the traditional lifestyle is beautifully reflected in the daily living spaces.
Currently, Ainokura village is home to a total of 24 Gassho-zukuri style houses, including residential homes, Dojo (places of worship), and Gassho-koya. Many of these houses were constructed from the late Edo period to the Meiji period.
Beyond admiring the beauty of these unique ancient houses, visitors to Ainokura have the opportunity to delve into the history and culture of the Gokayama region by visiting the Ainokura Folk Museum. They can also explore the traditional industries of Ainokura at the Traditional Industry Museum, which showcases the matchstick-making industry, sericulture, and paper production dating back to the Edo period.
The Iwase Family's Gassho-style House
The Iwase family's house was built in the late Edo period (1603–1868) by Fujiicho Emon from the Kaga region, taking approximately 8 years to complete. Known for its impressive five-story structure, this house proudly stands as the largest Gassho-zukuri-style building in the Gokayama Old Village. In 1958, it was recognized as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Koroba Hot Springs Area
Nestled in the Gokayama Old Village, just a short 2-minute drive from Suganuma village, Koroba Hot Springs offers the perfect retreat. Its outdoor baths feature panoramic views of the expansive Dam Lake, allowing guests to enjoy the relaxing hot water while taking in the breathtaking surrounding mountain landscapes.
Koroba also boasts indoor baths, saunas, and cold baths, giving visitors a variety of options. For a taste of local flavor, the Ginya restaurant located on the second floor offers an exceptional dining experience with regional specialties.
With these unique experiences, exploring the Gokayama Old Village will surely be memorable. If you're looking for a fairy-tale adventure, don't miss visiting Shirakawa Go and Gokayama during the winter season. It promises to be an unforgettable part of your journey.
The Historical Significance of Gokayama Village
During the Edo period (1603 - 1867), the ancient village of Gokayama played a pivotal role in the Kaga Domain. This village was one of the largest producers of nitre (a key component in gunpowder) in Japan. As a result, it received strict protection from local leaders and flourished to the point of becoming the hub of a large gassho-style farm.
By the late 19th century, over 1,800 Gassho zukuri houses had settled in the village. However, due to harsh weather conditions and the decline of sericulture, the population decreased dramatically, leading to a significant reduction in the number of homes. Preserving these Gassho zukuri houses, both in terms of cost and technique, has proven to be a considerable challenge.
Inn at Gokayama Old Village
In the ancient village of Gokayama, there are several ryokan-style inns where tourists can spend the night. Most of these inns are built in the traditional gassho style and offer both dinner and breakfast during your stay.
The dinner typically features traditional Japanese dishes such as river fish and mountain vegetables. As for accommodation, most guests will sleep on a futon laid out on a tatami mat. If you're planning a trip to Gokayama, it's recommended to book your stay at least a month in advance to avoid being turned away when you arrive.
When is the best time to visit the ancient village?
The ideal time to visit the ancient village of Gokayama is in the fall (from September to November) or in the winter (from December to February). If you're not fond of the cold, consider visiting during the fall. During this season, the surrounding mountains are covered in a sea of red, yellow, and orange leaves, and the weather is mild and comfortable, perfect for photography and sightseeing.
If you're looking for a chilling experience and want to see snow falling, you can travel during the winter. During this time, the entire village is covered in a blanket of snow, creating a picturesque and romantic scene. Rest assured, most inns and homestays in the area are equipped with stoves. Sitting indoors, enjoying the warmth while surrounded by the cold winter air, will surely be a memorable experience.
How to get to Gokayama
To reach the village of Gokayama, there are two options available to you:
1. By bus: From JR Shin-Takaoka Station, you can take a direct sightseeing bus to the World Heritage site, which will take you straight to Ainokura.
2. Combining train and bus: If you are starting from Takaoka Station, take the Johama train to Johana Station. Afterward, you can switch to a bus that will take you further to Gokayama. The estimated travel time from Takaoka to Gokayama using both modes of transportation is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Taboos in Gokayama
Smoking is prohibited near residential areas: Since the buildings in Shirakawa-go are mostly made from traditional materials, they are highly flammable, making smoking a forbidden activity. If you wish to smoke, you must do so in a designated area within the Gokayama village. Shirakawa-go also has a fire prevention system, but triggering it by tossing a lit cigarette could have severe consequences, including hefty fines.
Littering is strictly prohibited: In Gokayama, maintaining the cleanliness of the area is vital to preserving its beauty and protecting the environment. Therefore, the second major rule is that littering is forbidden. Visitors should keep their trash and dispose of it in the designated bins available at appropriate locations. This practice helps maintain the area's cleanliness, prevents pollution, and ensures Gokayama remains a beautiful part of the world heritage site.
Disrupting the local community with noise is prohibited: Gokayama is home to residents who live and work here daily. Loud noises from visitors can disturb and annoy the locals. Actions like improper parking, loud music, or organizing noisy events can interfere with the daily life of the community and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of Gokayama.
It is prohibited to take or collect objects from private homes or conservation areas: Visitors should refrain from stealing or collecting any items from local homes or protected areas, including plants, flowers, stones, and ceramics. This practice helps preserve the cultural heritage and protects the natural landscape of the region.
Following these rules not only shows respect for the local culture but also helps protect the environment and maintain the tranquility of the area.
What should you prepare when traveling to the ancient village?
- When traveling to the ancient village of Gokayama, here are some essential preparations:
- Be sure to book your accommodation or homestay in advance to avoid the risk of rooms being fully booked upon arrival.
- Carry cash in Japanese Yen and a Visa card for easy payment transactions.
- If visiting during winter, make sure to bring warm clothes or a down jacket to stay comfortable.
- Wear comfortable shoes, like sneakers or boots, which are ideal for walking and exploring the rural areas.
- Don't forget your camera or mobile phone to capture beautiful moments and stay connected when needed.
- Bring a map and location details to help navigate while discovering the village.
- Familiarize yourself with the history, culture, and rules of the village before your trip.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out for sightseeing.
Properly preparing with the right knowledge and essentials will ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Nearby attractions to Gokayama
If you've explored the village and are looking for more adventure nearby, here are a few suggestions for you.
1. Shirakawa-go Village: Situated close to the ancient Gokayama village, Shirakawa-go is a historic village nestled in a deep valley surrounded by dense mountains of the Shirakawa region. The village is renowned for its unique gable-roofed wooden houses, which are constructed in traditional styles. These houses turn into a breathtaking winter landscape when covered in snow, transforming the entire village into a picturesque scene.
2. Kanazawa City: Famous for Kenrokuen, one of Japan's most classic gardens, Kanazawa is a city rich in history. While in Kanazawa, you can also explore Kanazawa Castle and the Samurai District, where the ancient cobblestone streets create a perfect historical atmosphere.
3. Takayama Town: In Takayama, you can stroll through traditional markets and take part in the Takayama Matsuri, a festival that is a vibrant part of Japan's cultural heritage.
4. Nanto Art Museum: If you have time, visit the Nanto Art Museum. It showcases a diverse collection of both modern and traditional artworks.
5. Toyama City: This city serves as the cultural and economic hub of the Toyama region, famous for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Museum and the vibrant Toyama Summer Festival.
6. Hida Folk Village: A recreated village showcasing the traditional architectural style and lifestyle of the Hida region. Visitors can explore the wooden houses and experience the way of life of the local people.
7. Takaoka Town: Known for its historic Zuiryu-ji Temple, an important religious and historical monument in the region.
8. Togakushi Shrine: A Shinto shrine located within the Togakushi forest, renowned for its festivals and the spiritual significance of its deities.
9. Kurobe Dam: One of the tallest dams in the world, Kurobe Dam provides power to the Toyama region and its surrounding areas. The scenery here becomes breathtaking during autumn, when the dam is surrounded by mountains in vibrant red and yellow hues. It's a perfect backdrop for photos.
The information provided above about Gokayama Village highlights why this destination is a must-see. Exploring the village is a fascinating and exciting travel experience. Gokayama is undoubtedly a place you shouldn't miss when visiting Japan. For affordable tours to Japan with great deals, don't hesitate to call 028 3827 0404 for detailed advice from Mytour.
